Camera will not take pictures. Message on screen says: System Error Zoom I have not had any problems with zoom. How do I fix or clear this message. Thanks, Marsha

It's not the zoom that's the problem, but the lens barrels as they extend at startup (look for any sand particles in the crevices in between).
Unfortunately, many cameras that fall prey to zoom/lens/access error problems can only be corrected by professional repair. But, here are some last resort troubleshooting steps that you can try that may correct it. They only seem to work for less than 40% of the lens errors, but if the camera is out of warranty (or repair cost approaches that of the camera), they're worth that try.

Please follow the steps:
1. Ensure batteries are fully charged.
2. Look carefully between the lens and the camera body for any sand, dirt or any damaged etc.
3. Try turning the camera with the lens facing down and shake to dislodge anything stuck
4. Try removing batteries and memory card, wait 5 minutes and refit the battery only.
5. Now turn on camera( with out card ) and see ,if working then fix the memory card & again turn on the camera. If working then fine.

Otherwise format the memory card and fix back in camera again & try. Make sure before format the memory card take a back up all photos in your computer then format. If no luck then reset or restore the camera setting by pressing Menu key for 2 sec... in not done the press both Menu & self time key for 2 - 4 sec.

After all of this if you not success then its a lens error.The lens stuck from the inside becasue the lens guide pin is damaged or out of guide line. In this case you have to replace or repair the camera lens.

Hope helps; keep us updated and remember to rate this answer.